Mexico 0, Bosnia and Herzegovina 1: Down to Earth

Credit: FMF A few days after an impressive win over Ecuador, Mexico fell to a talented Bosnia and Herzegovina side by a 1-0 scoreline in another experimental match by “Piojo” Herrera. The venue, Chicago’s Soldier Field, could not have been more perfect considering the large Mexican population and a good representation of Bosnian fans as well. The atmosphere was booming and Mexico was in for another “home match” with Luis “Chapo” Montes’ name proudly seen around the stadium after his horror injury on Saturday. Lineup:Talavera; Layún, Moreno, Salcido, Reyes, Ponce; Peña, Vazquez, Herrera; Jimenez, Chicharito When I say “experimental”, I mean it; Herrera gave Talavera the start between the posts, placed Layun as right-back and Ponce as left-back, placed Salcido in Rafa’s position, gave Moreno the captain’s armband and gave Chicharito’s first start in a long time. Unlike the last time Mexico faced B&H, the opponent qualified for this month’s World Cup and was playing at full force, most notably Edin Dzeko (Chicharito’s cross-city rival benchwarmer) present this time, along with a handful of other stars (Pjanic, Salihovic, Misimovic, Spahic, etc). With a decent Bosnian attendance and an upcoming World Cup, the opponent was ready to fight. The first half was dominated by the Bosnians, with Edin Dzeko missing an open net within 15 minutes. Chicharito got a chance of his own after an incredible ball by Layun which Chicharito received and hit the crossbar. Unfortunately, this was his best chance all match and fought hard for the ball, but couldn’t provide any more danger. Jimenez did not have a good match either, losing the ball and being nulled by Bosnia’s solid defending, and Mexico’s lack of distribution. Layun was hard working as usual and our biggest threat going forward. Hajrovic scored before the half from inside the box after a Salihovic cross, which ended up being the only goal of the match. “Piojo” made six changes throughout the second half, bringing in Brizuela, Maza, Guardado, Giovani, Pulido and Marco Fabian. Mexico dominated possession (61% vs 39%) and looked a bit more alive at times, but it was the same story as the second half and Piojo’s experimenting (we love that word) didn’t allow us a result. —– The result was unfortunate but at least “Piojo” was able to have some more questions answered in time for the opening World Cup match against Cameroon. Talavera did decent but was more nervous than Memo and Corona when they got their chance. Ponce did not prove that he was better than Guardado or Layun at the left wing-back (or whatever you want to call it). Jimenez and Gullit Peña were shakey and unlike their form during the past Liga MX seasons. Perhaps the next match against Portugal will have a lineup that will resemble what we will go with during the opening match against Cameroon.